Way to Go - Boris
- Thread starter citydreams
- Start date
seems to me a lot of people get on boris's back because of the colour of his flag without even reading any of his policies
i don't see why anyone would be a fan of ken livingstone considering how crime went up under him
Source?
Urbanblues
Was that it, life?
Not only has Johnson cancelled Disability Capital, 2008 (a London disability conference began by Livingstone); the needs of disabled Londoners are barely addressed throughout his 'Way-to-Go' document. Where disability is mentioned, it’s done so as a bolt on, merely lip service.
There is one reference to wheelchairs, in connection with a need for compliance on mechanical transport systems. Yet, as a wheelchair user, I find the greatest obstacles to my freedom of movement lie with the most basic of infrastructural elements, the pavements, and roads.
Without decent easy to use pavements and roads, forget about buses with ramps, tube systems with lifts, or easy to board trams; how do I get to the bus stop, tube station or tram on pavements that I cannot physically push along.
There is one reference to wheelchairs, in connection with a need for compliance on mechanical transport systems. Yet, as a wheelchair user, I find the greatest obstacles to my freedom of movement lie with the most basic of infrastructural elements, the pavements, and roads.
Without decent easy to use pavements and roads, forget about buses with ramps, tube systems with lifts, or easy to board trams; how do I get to the bus stop, tube station or tram on pavements that I cannot physically push along.
This would be the mayor who cancelled the pedestrianisation of Parliament Square, and cancelled plans for 50odd more urban squares across London, right?
My confusion is that Boris manages to get away with it. Very little critical coverage at all. Like my original point -he's deliberately released this report ON THE DAY OF THE US ELECTION.
Link doesn't work.
Urbanblues
Was that it, life?
I read that statement; however, it meant nothing to me; in what context does this assist me as a wheelchair user?
I find pavements inaccessible where the crossfalls are so over graded that I cannot move; where the gradient on a dropped pavement is too steep; or, where there is no dropped pavement, steep or not, at a crossing point. When I meet these difficulties, I’m robbed of independence, having to rely on others to push me.
teuchter
je suis teuchter
Yes, I did think that too when I read the bit that says:
"And it means encouraging some of the wonderful urban realm projects that are now being pioneered in boroughs across London"
Well, he is talking about removing obstructions which is a good start, but yes, of course it also has to involve sorting out everything you mention to make a meaningful difference.
But that's the point. He's _talking_ about it, in his usual rah-rah sub-Beano way, like his column in the Torygraph, but he's actually the frigging mayor now, so where's the "we are going to do a, b and c, and do it over this timespan" programme, rather than his frothy warblings?
He's also cancelled the Camden - Peckham cross-river tram, without having the courage to say so. And 'courageously' publishing the report on the day it's possible some media might be interested in a black man becoming president. And he had the nerve to criticise Jo 'Good Day to Bury Bad News' Moore.
citydreams
on the road again
More bad news:
Jobs lost in TfL's cost cutting
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7712002.stm
Jobs lost in TfL's cost cutting
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7712002.stm
Was this a GENUINE disability conference or was it upon investigation found to be a junket set up by Livingstone and his pals in anticipation of a Livingstone win?
Boris is at least speaking out about extraneous street furniture which is an issue for those with mobility problems.
Need to find out more about the Camden / Peckham tram issue before I comment.
If the work done by Metronet is being taken back in house as the article said could it not be the case that many of these job losses would be amongst those who administered the Metronet contracts and there bugger all to do with the actual running of the transport system?
Bahnhof Strasse
Let's av ya fuckin' dancin'!
citydreams
on the road again
Well.. for one, the 'review' is being conducted by consultants!
for another, TfL have been talking about reducing reliance on consultancies for the last five years.
plus, we are under staffed as it is.. I know it may be hard to believe, but we have had vacancies for senior level roles for years.
plus, we have lost most of the Policy Unit to the GLA
Not sure what the spokesman meant by 'de-layering of management' We're so short of staff we work under matrix management anyway, ie we already work in several departments to save resources.
I've heard the LDA has already lost 1/3 of its staff.
There are ways to save money in TfL.. but it is by hiring staff, imo, not by firing them.
for another, TfL have been talking about reducing reliance on consultancies for the last five years.
plus, we are under staffed as it is.. I know it may be hard to believe, but we have had vacancies for senior level roles for years.
plus, we have lost most of the Policy Unit to the GLA
Not sure what the spokesman meant by 'de-layering of management' We're so short of staff we work under matrix management anyway, ie we already work in several departments to save resources.
I've heard the LDA has already lost 1/3 of its staff.
There are ways to save money in TfL.. but it is by hiring staff, imo, not by firing them.
Translation: Find out from my Boris pals what our line is.
What's to find out? Trams in cities = good thing. Scrapping them = bad thing.
Berlin is 50 billion (sic. billion) euros in debt, yet building new tram lines everywhere. London, financial capital of the world's fourth largest economy, can't even "afford" one new tram in 10 years time.
Translation: Find out from my Boris pals what our line is.
What's to find out? Trams in cities = good thing. Scrapping them = bad thing.
Berlin is 50 billion (sic. billion) euros in debt, yet building new tram lines everywhere. London, financial capital of the world's fourth largest economy, can't even "afford" one new tram in 10 years time.
Agree with the idea of trams in cities. Not sure of the short term value of a Camden Peckham route though. If there isn't the money for a DLR extension to Dagenham which would benefit many then there obviously isn't the money for a Camden / Peckahm tram on a route which is quite well served by Network Rail and buses.
Maybe you do.
But that's still the generic pro-motorist line these days. "I agree with trams _in general_ but _this one_ would cause rat runs/cost too much/be too noisy."
See West London Tram opposition, ad nauseam. Also led by Tories.
Urbanblues
Was that it, life?
'Disability Capital' was an annual event; I’ve attended three or four in recent years. Maybe Johnson’s mates can’t make an earner from the event, so he’s scrapped it; or, more likely, Johnson’s a Tory toff who doesn’t give a fuck for cripples.
That’s like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic. Talking about street furniture is extraneous waffle. If street furniture is an issue for people with ambulatory impairments, then it is likely to be a problem for a whole host of other groups, elderly people, mothers with young children, children, people carrying shopping, etc.
London’s pavements, footpaths, and road crossing points are a disgrace. This is an area of London travel ignored by Johnson; but, since Tory’s don’t use pavements, other than to get to and from their four-wheel drive vehicles, why spend more than lip service on the issue.
citydreams
on the road again
TfL's 10 year plan for massive transport expansion
6 November 2008 - Corporate
TfL’s Business Plan confirms multi-billion transport investment. A focus on value for money means £2.4 billion in efficiency savings can help deliver key projects.
“TfL has responded to this challenge by identifying £2.4bn in savings and efficiencies that we have built into our funding calculations and will use to help deliver key projects such as improving the Tube, expanding London Overground and enabling the construction of Crossrail. And we will continue to look for more savings including through a major review of London’s bus network.”
Funding for the programme outlined in the Business Plan is based on TfL’s 10 year, £39bn financial settlement with Government.
A copy of the TfL Business Plan 2009/10-2017/18 is available online.
6 November 2008 - Corporate
TfL’s Business Plan confirms multi-billion transport investment. A focus on value for money means £2.4 billion in efficiency savings can help deliver key projects.
“TfL has responded to this challenge by identifying £2.4bn in savings and efficiencies that we have built into our funding calculations and will use to help deliver key projects such as improving the Tube, expanding London Overground and enabling the construction of Crossrail. And we will continue to look for more savings including through a major review of London’s bus network.”
Funding for the programme outlined in the Business Plan is based on TfL’s 10 year, £39bn financial settlement with Government.
A copy of the TfL Business Plan 2009/10-2017/18 is available online.
citydreams
on the road again
Commenting on the tough decisions required to ensure a balanced and sustainable transport plan the Mayor said: "London is the engine of the UK economy and it is vital that we continue to invest in better transport during these tough times. But at the same time, we need to focus on the projects that deliver real benefits for Londoners, and let go of those that lack the funding for completion.
"These projects still required a total of over £3bn in funding from the Government or other sources. At a time when Londoners are struggling it is our duty to get maximum bang for their buck and invest in fully funded schemes that we know can be delivered.
"I will not continue with the former Mayor’s unrealistic and hollow promises. The last administration's commitments amounted to billions of pounds worth of schemes that London could simply never afford."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Achievements of the Plan: In terms of outcomes, by 2012, the TfL Business Plan will have delivered:
The first of the large-scale Tube upgrades on the Jubilee, Victoria and Northern lines, each providing between 20 and 30 per cent more capacity into central London
The first ever air-conditioned trains on the Metropolitan, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines
Three-car trains on the DLR providing a 50 per cent increase in capacity
The transformation of the London Overground network - which includes the East London line and North London line - with improved reliability and a doubling of capacity
Improvements to London’s traffic flow, such as through the optimisation of traffic lights and co-ordination of roadworks
A new Routemaster fit for 21st Century London
Trial of orbital express buses in Outer London
A London cycle hire scheme and other major initiatives, such as cycle highways, to revolutionise cycling in London
A complete vision for the increased use of the Thames
By 2018, this programme will have delivered:
Crossrail, providing a 10 per cent increase in London’s rail-based public transport capacity;
Remaining Tube upgrades on the Piccadilly, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines - providing a 28 per cent increase in Tube capacity;
Further schemes to cool deeper Tube lines, improving passenger comfort
Major improvements at key transport interchanges at Tottenham Court Road, Victoria, Bond Street and Paddington, relieving congestion and improving the environment for passengers
One million more people cycling and walking in London
A significant transport and regeneration legacy to follow a successful 2012 Games.
Schemes that lack funding and will not be progressed by the Plan:
Thames Gateway Bridge (cost to complete £500m+): The objections raised at the public inquiry have always been a concern to the
Mayor, particularly the disbenefits to traffic flow. In addition, the funding gap that has now arisen, along with other concerns over location and environmental impact, has compounded the Mayor's view that the proposal is not the right one, particularly in light of the consistent local opposition to the scheme.
Cross River Tram (cost to complete £1.3bn): Given the lack of funding available to implement the project and the likelihood of not securing additional third party funding, TfL is not in a position to develop the scheme any further. However the Business Plan will deliver a number of transport improvements to the communities along the proposed routes including the increased capacity and more frequent services to come on the Northern, Victoria and Piccadilly lines. TfL and the LDA will now look at alternatives to CRT including Northern line separation, improved bus operations and other ways of supporting local regeneration.
Croydon Tramlink Extension (£170m+): The Crystal Palace scheme had been progressed by TfL but there is no funding for implementation. TfL will conduct a wider study involving the Boroughs affected as part of the new sub-regional plans to assess the transport needs of this part of Outer London. The Mayor has indicated that the recommendation from this study will form part of a future bid to Government.
Oxford Street Tram/Transit (£500m): The proposal to improve links between Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road is unaffordable and the disruption during construction would be very substantial. TfL is working with Westminster Council to implement streetscape improvements as part of New West End Company ORB proposals. TfL is also assessing options to reduce bus volumes along Oxford Street at minimum negative impact to bus passengers.
East London Transit (ELT) (£200m+) and Greenwich Waterfront Transit (GWT) (£170m+): Beyond the completion of the ELT 1a, ELT 1b and GWT 1 projects that are funded in the plan, no other further phases will be funded under the Plan. Some of these future phases (ELT2) were planned to support public transport services across TGB. TfL will undertake a wider review as part of the sub regional analysis working with Boroughs to assess the potential for further transit routes and opportunities for external funding.
Public Space Proposals: such as Parliament Square, Euston Circus, Victoria Embankment, High Street 2012 (£100m+ not including possible 3rd party funding): These schemes have been cancelled as they offered limited transport benefits and had the added disbenefit of restricting traffic flow at a time when London's road network will be under increased stress due to an increase in construction work and the need to deliver efficient transport flow for a successful 2012 Games.
DLR Dagenham Dock (£750m): Funding has yet to be identified to implement the proposed extension through Barking Riverside to Dagenham Dock which would support the proposed plans. It is unclear whether the Barking Riverside housing development is a Government priority to 2018.
Many of these projects promised by the previous Mayor were never funded beyond their initial design stages and had no money set aside to deliver them. To build them all now would require over £3bn in additional funding.
"These projects still required a total of over £3bn in funding from the Government or other sources. At a time when Londoners are struggling it is our duty to get maximum bang for their buck and invest in fully funded schemes that we know can be delivered.
"I will not continue with the former Mayor’s unrealistic and hollow promises. The last administration's commitments amounted to billions of pounds worth of schemes that London could simply never afford."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Achievements of the Plan: In terms of outcomes, by 2012, the TfL Business Plan will have delivered:
The first of the large-scale Tube upgrades on the Jubilee, Victoria and Northern lines, each providing between 20 and 30 per cent more capacity into central London
The first ever air-conditioned trains on the Metropolitan, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines
Three-car trains on the DLR providing a 50 per cent increase in capacity
The transformation of the London Overground network - which includes the East London line and North London line - with improved reliability and a doubling of capacity
Improvements to London’s traffic flow, such as through the optimisation of traffic lights and co-ordination of roadworks
A new Routemaster fit for 21st Century London
Trial of orbital express buses in Outer London
A London cycle hire scheme and other major initiatives, such as cycle highways, to revolutionise cycling in London
A complete vision for the increased use of the Thames
By 2018, this programme will have delivered:
Crossrail, providing a 10 per cent increase in London’s rail-based public transport capacity;
Remaining Tube upgrades on the Piccadilly, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines - providing a 28 per cent increase in Tube capacity;
Further schemes to cool deeper Tube lines, improving passenger comfort
Major improvements at key transport interchanges at Tottenham Court Road, Victoria, Bond Street and Paddington, relieving congestion and improving the environment for passengers
One million more people cycling and walking in London
A significant transport and regeneration legacy to follow a successful 2012 Games.
Schemes that lack funding and will not be progressed by the Plan:
Thames Gateway Bridge (cost to complete £500m+): The objections raised at the public inquiry have always been a concern to the
Mayor, particularly the disbenefits to traffic flow. In addition, the funding gap that has now arisen, along with other concerns over location and environmental impact, has compounded the Mayor's view that the proposal is not the right one, particularly in light of the consistent local opposition to the scheme.
Cross River Tram (cost to complete £1.3bn): Given the lack of funding available to implement the project and the likelihood of not securing additional third party funding, TfL is not in a position to develop the scheme any further. However the Business Plan will deliver a number of transport improvements to the communities along the proposed routes including the increased capacity and more frequent services to come on the Northern, Victoria and Piccadilly lines. TfL and the LDA will now look at alternatives to CRT including Northern line separation, improved bus operations and other ways of supporting local regeneration.
Croydon Tramlink Extension (£170m+): The Crystal Palace scheme had been progressed by TfL but there is no funding for implementation. TfL will conduct a wider study involving the Boroughs affected as part of the new sub-regional plans to assess the transport needs of this part of Outer London. The Mayor has indicated that the recommendation from this study will form part of a future bid to Government.
Oxford Street Tram/Transit (£500m): The proposal to improve links between Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road is unaffordable and the disruption during construction would be very substantial. TfL is working with Westminster Council to implement streetscape improvements as part of New West End Company ORB proposals. TfL is also assessing options to reduce bus volumes along Oxford Street at minimum negative impact to bus passengers.
East London Transit (ELT) (£200m+) and Greenwich Waterfront Transit (GWT) (£170m+): Beyond the completion of the ELT 1a, ELT 1b and GWT 1 projects that are funded in the plan, no other further phases will be funded under the Plan. Some of these future phases (ELT2) were planned to support public transport services across TGB. TfL will undertake a wider review as part of the sub regional analysis working with Boroughs to assess the potential for further transit routes and opportunities for external funding.
Public Space Proposals: such as Parliament Square, Euston Circus, Victoria Embankment, High Street 2012 (£100m+ not including possible 3rd party funding): These schemes have been cancelled as they offered limited transport benefits and had the added disbenefit of restricting traffic flow at a time when London's road network will be under increased stress due to an increase in construction work and the need to deliver efficient transport flow for a successful 2012 Games.
DLR Dagenham Dock (£750m): Funding has yet to be identified to implement the proposed extension through Barking Riverside to Dagenham Dock which would support the proposed plans. It is unclear whether the Barking Riverside housing development is a Government priority to 2018.
Many of these projects promised by the previous Mayor were never funded beyond their initial design stages and had no money set aside to deliver them. To build them all now would require over £3bn in additional funding.
Or the whole thing was a Livingstone biased junket?
Its not a side issue its a major one.
I agree that more should be done to tidy up the interface between vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Urbanblues
Was that it, life?
A few hundred disabled Londoners discussing important issues that affect their day-to-day life, a junket? Are you taking the piss; or, just an obnoxious aresehole? Did you attend any of the conferences?
I disagree; as a wheelchair user the problems I encounter are over graded crossfalls, poorly maintained pavements and badly designed dropped pavements. It is rare to find street furniture at the interface between pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
'Tidy up', now I know you’re taking the piss.
No I'm not taking the piss but I have attended LGBT conferences at City Hall during Livingstones time and they were pro Livingstone junkets. I agree that there needs to be some method where disabled travellers can have input into how the transport system is managed and planned but I'm not sure that this type of conference is the best way to do it. Going out and speaking to those with disabilities may well turn up opinions and potential solutions that a politically motivated event may well not do.
Yes some of the gradients on the slopes and the general state of the paving is pretty poor. However, its not all the fault of the tories. What about places like Hackney and Harringey which are not Tory but have councils that spend money on guff and parasitical management but have streets that are something out of the third world.
Whats wrong with wanting extraneous street furniture out of the way?
But he's not going anything concrete about it, is he? Just talking. Unless you know something we don't?
Urbanblues
Was that it, life?
No, he isn't doing anything; nor will he.
ViolentPanda
Hardly getting over it.
I was very interested to find that in Berlin every light-controlled crossing not only "beeps" at the appropriate time for crossing, but also constantly emits a "knock" tone (which sounds very much like someone hitting a wood block about 75 times a minute) to let people with poor sight know where the crossing is. I don't know whether this is common across Germany, but it's a damn good addition to textured surfaces.
ViolentPanda
Hardly getting over it.
Translation: Find out from my Boris pals what our line is.
What's to find out? Trams in cities = good thing. Scrapping them = bad thing.
Berlin is 50 billion (sic. billion) euros in debt, yet building new tram lines everywhere. London, financial capital of the world's fourth largest economy, can't even "afford" one new tram in 10 years time.
60 billion now.
Thing is, they have managed to curb their spending so that they "only" accrued a further two billion between the last two financial years, rather than the 5-6 billion pa they were accruing earlier, and they knew that de-prioritising the funding of the upgrading of the public transport network was about the most stupid thing they could do, so they continued to do fund it, and have an excellent system (70+ percent accessible from street level for the S & U-bahn stations, 90+ percent for trams and buses, although a couple of the older tram lines need new rolling stock to bring that percentage up) as a result.
What do we have?
A system where I can't use either of my local rail stations, and where the buses (mostly the rear-engined variety) jerk so badly through gear changes that they cause muscle spasms in my back and legs as a result.
Like you say, we're a wealthy city in a wealthy nation, and yet we've got a public transport system that is a throwback.
teuchter
je suis teuchter
It's common in quite a few European countries, I think, and I think I've seen(heard) it in Dublin too.
Normally they have a kind of slow knock while it's not OK to cross, so you can still find where one is, which turns into a more rapid knocking once it is OK to cross.
Similar threads
- Poll
